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Winter in Jersey

I never surfed the coldest parts of the winter before, but this year because of all the lost time this fall I think I am going to give it a shot.
I wear a 3/2. I usually wear this through 4/3 weather, and do not own a 4/3.

Here is my question: I surf North Jersey. If you had to pick one wetsuit to last you through the winter, both the warmer months like end of Nov and Dec, and the colder ones, even if it meant putting up with a little bit of cold, would it be better to go with a 5/4 or a 6/5/4? Is it possible to last the winter in just a 5/4?
I ask because I lost my job and can not afford both. Any feedback would be great.

A 5/4 should be fine all winter. I think 5 mil boots would be a bad idea though. I wear 7 mil boots and 5 mil gloves. I wear a 4/3 all winter. When it gets into the 30's, I need to wear a heated vest under my suit. If it's too windy and cold, I'll just stay home.

A 5/4 should be fine all winter. I think 5 mil boots would be a bad idea though. I wear 7 mil boots and 5 mil gloves. I wear a 4/3 all winter. When it gets into the 30's, I need to wear a heated vest under my suit. If it's too windy and cold, I'll just stay home.

exactly what this guy said.i just came in after a lil sesh this afternoon.waves are good and the bars are lining up.but northjers is still toxic so i wouldnt surf ther.holgate n south lookin good,if ya can get in!!..i wear a 4/3 all year round.i have a hood i put on once it gets too cold.i got 5 mil boots andi can tell u they suck!!!go thicker.never tried the heated vest but it looks good

Look more at how the seams are done than how thick a suit you should get; granted it was mild but I was in a 3/2 all of last winter and was fine because the seams were stitched, glued and sealed with whatever that "liquid tape" crap is. I used to think that was just a sales gimmick that companies would hype up but having a suit now with that liquid tape, I can honestly say it makes a huge difference.

I use a minimalist approach to my suits. A 3/2 and a 6/5/4. 7 mil boots and mittons are 5 mil I think. A 5/4/3 can be used instead of the 6/5/4, but i prefer the extra warmth in trade for a tad less mobility. This setup is enough for anything NJ dishes out, and will handle mid winter jaunts to RI as well. There are times between seasons where I am a tad too warm, but its not bad. Other suits, boots, gloves in different thicknesses can be nice, but aren't needed.

You can make it all winter with a 4 mil, but it's not ideal, and I think anyone that tells you otherwise is kidding themselves....or they havent felt the warmth of a warmer suit, or dont do long sessions.

The seam info already mentiined is very important for a winter suit. Also, getting a suit that fits you, ( size and shape) is key too. Different brands fit different.

I also believe an attached hood is critical. Minimizes the possibility of flushing.